The Government of Ghana has initiated diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national being held as a prisoner of war. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly captured after participating in hostilities in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region.
According to official sources, the Ukrainian Government notified Ghana of the arrest and provided identity details, which have since been verified. Evidence indicates that the Ghanaian arrived in Moscow on 7 July 2024 and signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment under Russia’s 42nd Motorized Rifle Division.
In a meeting held yesterday with Ukraine’s Acting Ambassador to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, Ghana formally appealed for the detainee’s release. A special message has also been dispatched to Kyiv, and further negotiations are expected to continue with a planned visit to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
Ghana has objected to the possibility of its national being included in a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, citing concerns over increased vulnerability. Officials expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts—bolstered by Ghana’s longstanding advocacy for peace and its cordial relations with Ukraine—will lead to a positive outcome.
The government also issued a strong warning to Ghanaian youth against falling prey to criminal recruitment and human trafficking networks operating through clandestine channels, including the dark web.
“It is extremely dangerous to get involved in any conflict—you can be killed or captured,” the statement read.
The Mahama administration reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all Ghanaians and ensuring that no citizen is left in harm’s way.
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